Wednesday: We motored down the lovely Dart first thing in the morning and had a gentle sail across Start Bay.  The wind picked up after Start Point, and then we also got some welcome sunshine.  We ended up having to tack a few times, but it was a nice sail and we only had to … Continue reading 22 – 24 August: Salcombe and home →

Monday: We left Brixham about 10am and sailed gently at 2 knots for half an hour until we came up to Berry Head.  After hearing Dominic complaining about there only being westerly winds since we started this sailing, now I get to hear “it’s a southerly, where’s the westerly wind?” ha ha!  We admired the … Continue reading 20-21 August: The River Dart →

Saturday: What a gorgeous sight to wake up to; colourful houses nestling close to each other, spilling over the hills.  Brixham is very pretty but also one of England's busiest fishing ports, and we have seen trawlers and fishing boats continuously enter and exit the horseshoe shaped harbour. We took the RIB in and moored … Continue reading 18th – 19th August – Brixham and Torquay →

Into the West: Click here to hear one of my most favourite tunes, sung by one of my most favourite artists, from one of my most favourite films, based on one of my most favourite books We were ready and willing to go, waiting by Weymouth Town Bridge for the first opening of the day … Continue reading Friday 17th August – Into the West: to Tor Bay →

Wednesday: Dominic checked out the davits, and the RIB hanging off it, and it seems just fine.  All very strong, and well put up.  We also re-attached our 3 in 1 rescue recovery buoy and contacted the manufacturer about new proper fittings.  And since we were thinking rescue, we re-iterated the man-over-board procedures.  On our … Continue reading 15th-16th August – Go West: Weymouth →

Well, it wasn’t bikini sailing, our passage today.  Dominic planned a beautiful huge two tack journey from Chichester Harbour, up past the east coast of Isle of Wight, then well out into the Channel passed the southernmost point then turn back straight to Studland Bay.  This would be possible despite westerly winds thanks to huge … Continue reading 14th August – Around the Isle of Wight, the other way! →

Gosport marina is the home berth for the Clipper Round the World yachts, and we’ve had a good look at them.  This is also where crew do their training. I was sitting in the reception area last night, waiting for the laundry, and I saw a hopeful crew-member-to-be going in for her interview.  I hope … Continue reading Monday, 13 August – Itchenor and Alex popping over →

Friday: We have known Lynda and Ian (and their children) for a very long time so it was really nice that they could come and join us on Idun for the weekend.  They arrived at 8pm after a long car journey, and after showing (off!) our boat home to them we settled down to supper, … Continue reading 10-12 August – Lynda and Ian sail with us →

Thursday: Today was grey with much needed rain.  And as we were in Hamble having things fixed, it didn’t exactly matter to us anyway. Russell spent the morning with us and replaced the leaky tap and the broken holding tank, both in the forward heads.  Really nice to get that done.  He also gave us … Continue reading 9-10 August – Hamble for final (!?) fixes and anchored off the Isle of Wight →

Ha ha well I'd been warned that anchoring overnight in Lulworth Cove is not for light sleepers, and yes despite the winds being positive for our side of things, it was bumpy.  Very bumpy.  I'd say Lyme Regis bumpy+. We weighed anchor and left Lulworth Cove by 8am.  After putting the sails up, we wafted along … Continue reading 8th August – 45 miles sail to Hamble Point →